We'll email you the stories that fanciers want to read from all around the web daily

We don't share your email address

The Best and Worst Trophies

So, we’ve all been there. Every time we show there is that possibility that we will win. When we do, we get rewarded with not only a good feeling, but also points and maybe some sort of trophy. Sometimes the trophy is incredible, but other times we might find ourselves thinking, “What… is this?!”

I reached out to some dog show peeps and got the scoop on what they feel are the best and worst trophies. This is what I found out…

Trophy table at the 2012 National Beagle Club.

First things first – the number one trophy that clubs can’t go wrong with offering at their shows are things that we actually need. For example, any “dog-showy thing,” like water buckets, tables, crates, mats, toys, towels or just anything that we will actually use. We won’t complain about stuff like this and, of course, there won’t be much complaining about winning a little cash either! Who wouldn’t want to recoup some of their entry money, right?

Handmade, well-thought-out trophies are popular too. It seems like there are a lot of artists out there making one of a kind, treasure pieces that can be admired everyday and last a lifetime. We can also be inspired by them to make a trophy donation of our own. Remember, each item may become part of someone’s collection that will last forever!

Unfortunately, we sometimes end up with a trophy that leaves us dumbfounded: mixing up the dog breeds, misspelled names, Christmas decorations in the middle of summer? Luckily this doesn’t happen all that often, but when it does we just need to remember to be thankful.

Overall, the memory of the win is the main prize. Meaningful trophies are just the icing on the cake! In the words of a longtime dog enthusiast, “My house is decorated with 30 years worth of treasures that my dogs won and each item brings back fond memories!”

It’s time to make memories and keep them forever. Let’s display our trophies at home, or use them in our everyday lives! Our dogs freaking rule, and so can our trophies!!!!

Kayla Bertagnolli is a 23-year-old from Ogden, UT, who's been involved in the
dog show world her whole life. A former junior handler who learned
about breeding Beagles from her mother Leah, she assisted several professional
handlers and is currently working to become a Junior Showmanship judge. Kayla
is passionate about photography and writes the twice-weekly blog, DFR. She
plans to continue breeding and showing, and expects to stay involved in dogs "for life!"